“THIS incident could have had devastating consequences. This man got behind the wheel of a lorry and then drove on the busy motorway, putting lives at risk.

“Officers responded quickly, ensuring no-one was hurt and this was thanks to motorists who were aware of the danger he posed and called us.”

Head of Roads Policing at Essex Police, Adam Pipe, spoke after the driver, who admitted drinking a bottle of spirit before heading out, was sentenced.

“Making that decision to get behind the wheel of a lorry while under the influence of alcohol could have had catastrophic consequences.

“This type of criminal behaviour is not tolerated on our roads. We are committed to keeping them safe for everyone who uses them.

“We patrol, monitor and run operations to target criminality. We also work closely with our road safety partners in the Safer Essex Roads Partnership to educate drivers, which will keep the county’s roads safer for us all.”

On Monday April 21 officers responded to reports of a lorry swerving dangerously across the lanes of the M25 near Brentwood and quickly caught up with the vehicle.

They stopped and arrested Claudiu Ghib, 44, of nfa, on suspicion of drink driving and dangerous driving. He provided a roadside reading of 110 microgrammes, more than three times the legal limit of 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath.

He told officers he had drunk a bottle of alcohol but decided to drive as he wanted to go home and see his mum on Easter Monday.

He admitted the offences when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates Court the following day.

At Basildon Magistrates Court on Friday 23 May Ghib was disqualified from driving for 25 months, issued with a 12-month community order, and must complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

Mr Pipe added: “My message to motorists is to think before you get behind the wheel or onto a bike. Think about your speed and the way you are driving. If you have had a drink don’t take the risk.

“Leave your vehicle at home. If you don’t, you’re endangering the lives of other road users as well as risking your own livelihood and future prospects.”